How to Discover Your Child’s Learning Intelligence
Discovering the way humans learn best has been a mission of sociologists, teachers, parents and students for decades. In 1983, Howard Gardner developed seven separate and specific learning intelligences. Each intelligence represented a different way to demonstrate intellectual ability. Until this point in history, usually only those individuals that were “book-smart” and did well in a traditional academic setting were considered of high intelligence.
Gardner suggested that there were other ways to measure extraordinary intelligence (Wikipedia, theory of multiple intelligences). Most degree programs in teaching or education include discussion of Gardner’s “multiple intelligences” yet few public schools truly embrace the theory in order to better educate students. As a parent you can determine your child’s learning intelligence and use this knowledge to offer new concepts in a way that will fire your child’s interest and imagination. Although Gardner initially included only seven intelligences, an eighth was introduced at a later date and an additional two have been considered although they are not currently included in the multiple intelligence theory.
The Original Seven Intelligences: Visual/Spatial – People with a visual/spatial intelligence have an uncanny ability to interpret visual information. They think in images and use mental pictures to remember things. When trying to learn something new, these learners enjoy the use of charts, pictures, videos, and maps rather than textbooks or lectures.
If your child is interested in and good at building puzzles, writing, drawing, painting and direction sense, he or she may be a visual/spatial learner. People who possess visual/spatial intelligence would likely be happy with a career in the visual arts, architecture, interior design, or engineering.
Verbal/Linguistic – Individuals with a verbal/linguistic intelligence are especially good at listening and understanding the nuances of language. These learners tend to think in words instead of images and get the most benefit from textbooks and note taking.
A verbal/linguistic child is usually easy to recognize. They love talking and telling stories. Frequently their sense of humor is advanced for their age; they have exceptional memories; and they are great at winning arguments. As you can imagine, verbal/linguistic learners are well suited as writers, teachers, lawyers or politicians.
Logical/Mathematical – Logical/mathematical learners have the ability to use numbers, logic and reason better than others. They think in connective patterns and are extremely curious. If your child is always asking questions (more than the average child) and is the type to experiment with things in new and unusual ways, you are probably dealing with a logical/mathematical learner.
Naturally these individuals are skilled at math. Additionally they are good at solving problems and dealing with abstract concepts. Careers that are possible for this type of intelligence include scientist, accountant or computer programmer.
Bodily/Kinesthetic – Athletes and firefighters both likely possess bodily/kinesthetic intelligence. Blessed with good balance and coordination, these learners communicate through movement. Children and students with bodily/kinesthetic intelligence learn best by handling objects and physically performing tasks. They are talented at dancing, sports, acting crafts, and building with their hands.
Musical/Rhythmic – Learners with a musical/rhythmic intelligence thing in sounds and rhythmic patterns. They are more attuned to the sounds around them whether intentional (as with listening to the radio) or consequential (such as the sound of birds chirping). Children with this type of intelligence enjoy singing, clapping, playing musical instruments, rhyming and creating rhythmic patterns. Any career path dealing with the composition or production of music would be ideal for a musical/rhythmic learner.
Interpersonal – Learners who possess an interpersonal intelligence find it easy to relate to others. They are empathetic and generally try to maintain peace within a group. If your child is sensitive to the moods of others and practices compassion, cooperation and peace-keeping with others, he or she is likely an interpersonal learner. Possible occupations include salesperson, politician or counselor.
Intrapersonal – On the flip side of interpersonal learners, intrapersonal learners are able to reflect upon themselves, their state of being and their relationship to the things and people around them. This is probably the most difficult intelligence to recognize without specific training. Individuals with intrapersonal intelligence tend to gravitate towards career paths like philosophers, researchers and theorists.
The New Eighth Intelligence
Naturalist – This eighth intelligence was included by Gardner after tossing the idea around for awhile. The naturalist intelligence enables people to recognize, categorize and draw upon certain features of the environment (ibid.:48). Most people know someone who just seems more attuned to nature, to being outside, and to the environment. Possible career paths for a naturalist learner include farmer, gardener, geologist or archaeologist.
Multiple Intelligences: http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm
Theory of Multiple Intelligences – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences
For more information on education and how to increase your child’s potential, please visit http://www.essential-ed.com
Jenn Carpenter works as a freelance writer, blogger and internet marketer from her home in Warwick, RI. She is a mother of three as well as an active member of her community. To learn more about her amazing story check out http://www.livingmybigdream.com